More stories

  • in

    Thomas Tuchel’s masterplan to win England a second World Cup revealed by Jordan Henderson’s shock inclusion in squad

    PERHAPS Thomas Tuchel was looking for maturity and experience when he handed Jordan Henderson a shock England recall in his first squad as Three Lions boss.That’s the same Ajax captain Henderson who missed Thursday’s nights Europa League thrashing by Eintracht Frankfurt through suspension after telling a referee to “f*** off”.Thomas Tuchel has named is first England squadCredit: GettyAjax captain Jordan Henderson is a shock inclusionCredit: GettyOr perhaps it was Henderson’s dedication to the England cause which inspired Tuchel.That’s the same Henderson who appeared to give up on his country by making a shock move to Saudi club Al Ettifaq when leaving Liverpool in 2023, taking the money rather than continuing in elite football.That Saudi experiment lasted just six months before Henderson headed to Amsterdam – where he has been frequently criticised in the Dutch media for a salary which hasn’t been matched by performance levels. Henderson is 34 and will be 36 by the time of next year’s World Cup in the United States so this is hardly one for the future from Tuchel – who is only likely to be in the post as England boss until next summer.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe new boss has shown short-term thinking by selecting Henderson, as well as 34-year-old right-back Kyle Walker – on loan at AC Milan from Manchester City, where his form fell of a cliff earlier this season.Even Dan Burn, one of two uncapped players in Tuchel’s squad for the home World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, is 32.But Henderson’s inclusion in a 26-man squad is perhaps the most surprising of the lot.Henderson has won 81 caps, the last of which came against Malta in November 2023, when Gareth Southgate surprisingly included him despite that controversial move to Saudi. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe was not involved with England in 2024, missing last summer’s Euros, along with Marcus Rashford – another surprise inclusion from Tuchel.The former Liverpool skipper has benefitted from an injury to Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo to earn his call-up.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches But Henderson’s inclusion is proof positive that Tuchel will rely on experience rather than youth in his short-term mission of attempting to win England a second World Cup. More

  • in

    Sack him immediately’ – Jordan Henderson leads list of stars fans can’t believe Thomas Tuchel named in England squad

    ENGLAND fans have expressed their shock at the inclusion of Jordan Henderson in Thomas Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad.The German tactician surprised with his selection for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Thomas Tuchel has included a few surprises in his first England squadCredit: GettyThe inclusion of Jordan Henderson has shocked many Three Lions fansCredit: GettyThere were new call-ups in the cases of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn.However, it was the recall of others that seemed to cause the biggest stir amongst supporters.Following his Man Utd exile, Marcus Rashford is back in the St George’s Park set-up.But, even more fans were stunned with Jordan Henderson making the cut.Read more England newsPlenty seemed annoyed that the former Liverpool man was picked ahead of younger stars who have been impressing in the Premier League.While another called for Tuchel to be removed from his post.One fan posted on X: “Jordan Henderson, sack him immediately.”A second shared: “Jordan Henderson over Adam Wharton? Jesus Christ, is Southgate back?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA third wrote: “4 keepers. Walker over spence. Henderson over Wharton. Quansah over Branthwaite. Burn over Maguire.”A fourth opined: “Henderson over Wharton is already a sackable offence.”And fifth added: “Would never pretend to be non-partisan, but Jordan Henderson in that England squad over Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White is unfathomable to me. Not sure how much more MGW could do.”England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying drawHenderson, 34, has been playing in the Netherlands for Ajax, since terminating his multi-million-pound contract with Al-Ettifaq last year.Back in January, he was involved in a heated exchange with a Dutch journalist who told him a club chief revealed the midfielder wanted to leave the club.That came after a move to Monaco during the January transfer window failed to materialise.According to reports, Henderson had agreed terms with the French club – only for Ajax to block the move.Further reports claimed Henderson showed his frustrations to the Eredivisie giants by refusing to wear the captain’s armband in a Europa League clash against Galatasaray. More

  • in

    Kylian Mbappe moves into new sport as Real Madrid star expands growing business empire

    KYLIAN MBAPPE has made a shrewd investment in one of the most high-tech sports in the world.Real Madrid and France star Mbappe, 26, and his investment arm Coalition Capital have today been announced as new investors in the France SailGP Team.Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring Real Madrid’s first penalty during the Champions League last-16 second legCredit: GettyMbappe has been confirmed as a new investor in SailGPThe French team already hold the speed record in the Sail GP series, reaching just shy of 100km/hCredit: Bob Martin for SailGPSailGP is a high-tech, high-speed sailing league, featuring 12 national teams each competing in 50-foot catamarans.The season kicked off in Dubai in January, before heading to Auckland and then on to Sydney.Though the French team sat out the first two events, they returned to the competition in Sydney.Going into this weekend’s Grand Prix in Los Angeles, the French sit seventh in the league table, with the British team proudly leading the way.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe event series was founded by five-time America’s Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist Sir Russell Coutts in 2019.Real Madrid star Mbappé and his ‘Inspired by KM’ foundation will become the French team’s official charity partner, and he hopes to open countless more doors for young people and give them a voice they might not have otherwise had.Reacting to the announcement, Mbappé said: ““We are excited to be on board with this new adventure with the France SailGP Team, alongside Accor and other investors.”I’m also proud that IBKM has the opportunity to engage more young people around the world through this relationship.”Most read in FootballCoutts welcomed the announcement and the impact it might have on SailGP.He said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kylian Mbappé into our growing SailGP family of partners and investors – he’s undeniably one of the most influential athletes of our time, and an inspiration to sports fans across the globe.”Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSpeed-merchant Mbappe will hope to inspire the French team, dubbed Les Bleus, to new heights. They already hold the record for the highest speed in a SailGP event – reaching a staggering 99.94 km/h (62.1 mph) in season 3.His investment in SailGP becomes the latest in a series of business ventures for the Frenchman, on top of his reported £26.3million salary at Real Madrid.Inside Kylian Mbappe’s private suite at Real Madrid training ground with fingerprint scanner and huge balconyJust last year, Coalition Capital acquired a majority stake in Ligue 2 side Caen, who sit rock bottom of the second tier of French football.They also acquired a minority stake in Loewe Technology – a German electronics company specialising in home cinemas and top-of-the-range televisions.Mbappe – alongside Lionel Messi and Serena Williams – is also an investor in cryptocurrency-based fantasy football game Sorare, and he has a further investment in luxury watch trading platform Wristcheck.And he now has a Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal to look forward to after Wednesday’s controversial win over Atletico Madrid. More

  • in

    Fans spot ‘disappointed father’ Casemiro giving Diogo Dalot death stare after Man Utd star made huge blunder

    CASEMIRO made his feelings towards Diogo Dalot abundantly clear by giving him a death stare during last night’s win over Real Sociedad.Manchester United romped to a 4-1 victory over the Spaniards at Old Trafford in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.Casemiro gave Diogo Dalot a death stare following an inexplicable errorDalot tried to shield the ball out of play but lost possession to a Real Sociedad attackerCredit: GettyCasemiro slid in to rescue Dalot but made sure his team-mate knew what he thought about itCredit: RexThe visitors took the lead when Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot before Bruno Fernandes scored two penalties of his own to give the Red Devils the lead. However, minutes after going in front Dalot made an inexplicable error in his own penalty area.The 25-year-old, playing at right wing-back, tried to shield the ball out of play following a stray pass.But the ball lacked the necessary speed to be shepherded out, with Dalot then being moved aside by Ander Barrenetxea who had the chance to create a dangerous opportunity out of nothing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFortunately for Dalot, Casemiro was on hand to quickly snuff out the danger by sliding in and putting the ball out for a corner.As he got back up to his feet, the Brazilian veteran then turned to look at Dalot.And fans could not help but notice the intensity of the stare, with the five-time Champions League winner not pleased by Dalot’s soft error.Taking to social media, one fan said: “BRO GAVE DALOT THE EYES.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsA second said: “Man looked like a disappointed father.”A third said: “Casemiro staring at Dalot killed me.”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Another said: “Casemiro giving Dalot the death stare completely finished me.”A fifth added: “Glad Dalot walked away cause this was an Undertaker WrestleMania stare.”Minutes later, his opposite wing-back, Patrick Dorgu, was played in behind by Joshua Zirkzee before being fouled by the last defender Jon Aramburu, who was subsequently sent off.Dorgu had earlier won the penalty for Fernandes’ second goal of the evening.Ruben Amorim’s side, now with a player advantage, continued to put pressure on the visitors, with Casemiro being replaced by Toby Collyer in the 78th minute after a strong display.They looked set to be handed another goal when referee Benoît Bastien awarded a fourth penalty of the night following a foul on Dorgu by Hamari Traoré.However, Dorgu made a classy gesture by admitting to the ref that the tackle was not a penalty.Amorim said of the gesture: “It is the right thing to do so I am quite proud of him but I cannot say if it is 0-0 or we are losing that I’d have the same response.”United’s attacking play was rewarded when Fernandes raced through on goal to smash his third goal into the bottom corner.READ MORE SUN STORIESDalot added a fourth in injury time following some exquisite play by Rasmus Hojlund, who did everything but score in a bright performance.Man Utd’s 5-2 aggregate win has set up a quarter-final tie against Lyon in April.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

  • in

    Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad CONFIRMED as Jordan Henderson returns and uncapped stars Burn and Lewis-Skelly in

    THOMAS TUCHEL has named his first England squad – with returns for Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson.The German’s reign and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup kicks off on March 21 against Albania before a clash against Latvia three days later.Thomas Tuchel has named his first squad as England bossCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford has been chosen for the first time in a yearCredit: GettyJordan Henderson has earned a surprise recallCredit: GettyTuchel has revealed his squad for the Wembley Stadium double-header and there are several surprise inclusions.Rashford has earned an England recall after a year out following his loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa.He has not scored for his new side but has started four games since his January switch.Tuchel has also made a bold move in bringing 34-year-old Jordan Henderson back into the fold.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Liverpool captain, now with Dutch side Ajax, has not played for England since November 2023.Uncapped Arsenal 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly has earned his first call-up.The wonderkid, who can play at left-back and in midfield, makes the jump from the Under-19s to the Three Lions senior squad just 13 games into his Premier League career.Tuchel could also hand debuts to shock inclusions Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah against Albania or Latvia.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsNewcastle’s 32-year-old defender was watched in person by the new boss as the Toon beat West Ham 1-0 on Monday night.As for the Liverpool centre-back, he was chosen in the Euro 2024 provisional squad but got axed when it was cut down ahead of the tournament without making an appearance.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversyReece James, who won the Champions League under Tuchel at Chelsea, is back on the international stage after two years away.Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, on loan at AC Milan, keeps his place along with Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen.SunSport understands that Ollie Watkins is resting his knee and Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke has been chosen as back-up to Harry Kane.Tuchel has been unable to call upon Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall due to fitness doubts and injuries.But the new boss has snubbed Jack Grealish, who has played just 34 minutes in City’s last 11 Prem games.  Tuchel officially took over as manager on January 1 and reportedly contacted 55 players before revealing his squad today. The ex-Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich boss has penned an 18-month contract with the FA and has been tasked with bringing home the World Cup in 2026.Tuchel steps in after Lee Carsley, who took over from Gareth Southgate, saw his interim role come to an end.Carsley guided England to five victories in six games as the Three Lions earned promotion back to the top section of the Nations League by winning League B Group 2.It was a much-needed return to form after mixed performances at Euro 2024 that ended in final heartbreak against Spain.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match was Southgate’s last in the job, quitting after eight years at the helm.While Southgate was in charge, England finished runner-up at two Euros, as well as making a semi-final and quarter-final in his two World Cup campaigns.Myles Lewis-Skelly has been chosen for the first timeCredit: GettyDan Burn is selected after being watched in person by Tuchel on MondayCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Jarell Quansah is looking to make his debut this time aroundCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    ‘I had an offer’ – Bruno Fernandes reveals he nearly quit Man Utd in showdown talks over total rebuild

    BRUNO FERNANDES has revealed he had an offer to LEAVE Manchester United last summer – but chose to stay after hearing the club’s vision for the future.The Red Devils captain, 30, was the star of the show as United beat Real Sociedad 4-1 on Thursday night. Bruno Fernandes has revealed there was an offer for him to leave Man Utd last summerCredit: GettyThe Red Devils captain netted a hat-trick on Thursday as United beat Real Sociedad 4-1Credit: PABruno netted a hat-trick as Ruben Amorim’s men booked their place in the Europa League quarter finals. The win came among a turbulent week for the club off the field.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitted on Monday that United would have “run out of money by Christmas” without his £300m cash injection.But he also singled out Fernandes for praise after blasting a section of United’s on-field flops. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLClub captain Bruno spoke with reporters following the win at Old Trafford.And he revealed he had an offer to leave the Theatre of Dreams in the summer. Fernandes said: “I sat with the club because I had an offer to leave, we talked about the possibility of me leaving the club or staying. “They said what they wanted from me. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”I just asked if they still see me as part of the future of the club or not.”Fernandes is seen by United as key to any rebuild, with then-manager Erik ten Hag instrumental in keeping him at the club. Sir Jim Ratcliffe launches scathing attack on struggling Man Utd squad saying some ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’He continued: “I heard what they had to tell me. I thought that we could be successful. “Unfortunately, we didn’t start the season very well. “Erik had to lose his job by the results we had and the performance we had, but the fault was on everyone and everyone together with the manager.”Ratcliffe didn’t hold back in a bombshell interview with the BBC, slamming some flops as “overpaid” and “not good enough”.Fernandes said: “We need to prove ourselves every day in training, every day that we have a game. We can’t relax at this club. “You know that there’s a big standard, a big attention that you get from the media, from everywhere. Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings.”You need to realise that sometimes you need to put your focus on your game, trying to improve yourself. It’s not nice to hear certain things obviously. “I don’t think that any player likes to hear criticism or things that are talked about to you, that you’re not good enough or you’re overpaid or whatever. “Everyone has their own contract.”The club agrees to do the contracts at the time you come here or at the time you do a new contract or whatever and it’s about yourself proving that you can be important for the club.”After committing his future to the United project, Fernandes admits he told the club he wants to get his hands on silverware. He added: “I’m very happy at the club. Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here.”Obviously, I want to win trophies. I’m not stupid, I won’t say that I don’t want to win trophies. “I want to be in the biggest competitions, I want to fight for the big trophies. “That’s what I said to the club. That’s what the club said to me that they want to do.”Then it’s about the players going on the pitch and try to do it is about the club to do the investments to bring players, take players or whatever they want to do It’s not my part to say who’s good to come, that has to be the manager and the board. “They have to decide themselves. I just want to do everything I can to to help the club to succeed.”How Bruno Fernandes’ ‘Steven Gerrard syndrome’ spoils Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd systemAnd Fernandes also had a measured response to United legend Roy Keane, who last month unleashed a furious tirade towards the club captain.Keane branded United’s stars “f**ing imposters” and accused Fernandes of “pretending to close players down.”Fernandes responded: “Roy Keane was an amazing captain for the club, one of the best as everyone says. “I didn’t have the chance to see much from him, only last few years, but was a great player that won everything for the club. He’s massively respected from everyone and has all my respect. “He has to give his opinion in a programme and this is what he thinks about me.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What I’m doing on the pitch to try to change his mind, or trying to do something that he probably sees as a good thing. “Obviously, I do it in my own way, I don’t want to copy anyone.” More

  • in

    Ollie Bearman suffers worst possible start to F1 season as Lewis Hamilton struggles for Ferrari

    OLLIE BEARMAN suffered a nightmare start to the season with a huge crash in the first practice while Lewis Hamilton struggled for Ferrari.The British 19-year-old, who was born in Chelmsford, was unhurt in the crash at Melbourne’s Albert Park track but failed to make it out for the second session. Ollie Bearman suffered a nightmare debut for Haas in AustraliaCredit: RexBearman took too much speed into Turn 10 with his Haas and went off trackCredit: AFPAfter driving over the gravel trap he then lost control and smashed into the wall, ending his Friday runningCredit: AFPThe force of the impact saw a wheel fly off his carCredit: @F1Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton struggled for competitive pace with FerrariCredit: RexBearman lost control at Turn 10 and spun into the wall in what is his first full season in the sport having signed with Haas last summer. The car looked wrecked in the aftermath, with parts flying off and the right, front tyre hanging on by a thread, prompting a red flag.Charles Leclerc outshone his Ferrari team-mate Hamilton as he topped Friday’s final session. The McLarens were looking sharp once again, with Oscar Piastri finishing second and Lando Norris in third.READ MORE IN F1Norris led the first practice session while Hamilton struggled, placing 12th and grumbling about the handling issues on the car. When Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was asked about Hamilton, he said: “We have something like 150 sessions over the year, so this is just the beginning of the story.”We just have to focus on it and forget about the world around us and work as a team. “But honestly, when he’s in the briefing room, he’s fully focused on the objective and he knows the job perfectly, and he has to build relationships with the team. Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”That’s not a long process, but it’s a process we have to follow. We are on that path. “We shouldn’t expect too much from the first session – that’s not the target. Lewis Hamilton recreates amazing Ferrari scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as fans demand he wins an Oscar “We know we have a long way to go, and honestly, we did a good step compared to last year and I have a good feeling.”Hamilton later managed P5 in the second practice session, but was still over four-tenths slower than Leclerc.Meanwhile, world champion Max Verstappen only managed P5 and P7, with the second session seeing his Red Bull go slower than sister team drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

  • in

    Antony’s incredible career revival goes on as Man Utd flop scores fourth Real Betis goal in ten games

    ANTONY continued his incredible career revival by netting once again for Real Betis.The 25-year-old was in action for his club in the Europa Conference League for their second leg against Vitoria Guimarães. Antony continued his resurgence with a goal and assist for Real Betis in the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: GettyIt is now eight goal contributions in ten gamesCredit: GettyAntony had chipped in with an assist in a 2-2 draw last week during the first leg.But in the second leg he turned on the style by scoring his fourth goal in ten games before later putting the cherry on top with an assist.Betis took a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to a brace from Cedric Bakambu, who, like Antony, joined the club in January.After the interval, Antony raced down the right, smashing a shot to the near post to make it 3-0.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAntony was assisted for his goal by ex-Real Madrid star Isco, who later got on the scoresheet himself after Antony repaid the favour by grabbing an assist on his own.His goal and assist in Portugal last night brought his Betis tally to four goals and four assists.This tally already surpasses his output from his last 52 games with parent club Manchester United.Antony signed for the Red Devils for £85.5million in 2022 and had an electric start to life in Manchester as he became the first player in 50 years to score in each of his first three Premier League games for them.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOverall, he managed four goals inside his first ten appearances in all competitions for then boss Erik ten Hag following his arrival from Ajax.But his performances began to wane as the season went on, and he never managed to find this purple patch before he was sent on loan to Betis in January to recapture his best.Moment Antony told red card has been OVERTURNED and he can play Real Madrid as Man Utd flop celebrates with team-matesVictory in the last-16 has seen Betis drawn against Polish outfit Jagiellonia Białystok in the quarter-finals.Other big names left in the competition include Chelsea, Fiorentina and Rapid Wien.Antony’s parent club Man Utd also enjoyed a strong night against European opposition, smashing Real Sociedad 4-1 at Old Trafford led by a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick.It was arguably the team’s best performance since the arrival of Ruben Amorim, with the team registering 25 shots. Their last-16 victory means they will face Lyon in the quarter-finals.Meanwhile, Antony’s next game will see him return to La Liga to face Leganes as Betis aim to break into the top five of the Spanish league – with Betis losing just once since Antony’s arrival.Betis do not have a transfer clause in the loan deal with Antony, but it is hoped his strong performances will bump up his price tag for an expected sale in the summer. Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More